Hawaiian Koa Wood Serving Spoon with Figural Decoration
19th–early 20th Century — c. 1880–1920
- Material
- Wood
- Use
- Serving
- Century
- 19th century CE
- Size
- Wumbo
- Provenance
- Owner's collection
Dimensions2 measurements
- Overall length
- 28 cm
- Overall width
- 7.5 cm
Catalogue Note
A handcrafted wooden serving spoon of generous proportions, carved from a single piece of figured hardwood displaying warm reddish-brown and golden tones. The bowl is deeply incised with foliate or narrative scenes, suggesting hand-carving in the folk or decorative tradition; the handle tapers gracefully to a rounded terminus. The wood shows the patina and colour variation typical of aged, oiled timber, with natural grain emphasising the maker's craft. A utilitarian yet dignified piece, likely of Central or Northern European origin.
Spoon Lore
Carved wooden spoons have been among humanity's oldest eating implements; in 19th-century Scandinavia and Alpine regions, ornately carved spoons became love tokens and prestige gifts, often given by suitors to their intended and displayed proudly in the home.
From the collection of
Lucas Silva